Vaishnav akhadas hold flag hoisting at Nashik Kumbh mela

Ahead of the first 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) scheduled for August 29, a conventional flag hoisting ceremony of three Vaishnavite akhadas was held on Wednesday at 'Sadhu Gram' in Nashik, which is hosting the Kumbh Mela along with Trimbakeshwar.

Nashik: Ahead of the first 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) scheduled for August 29, a conventional flag hoisting ceremony of three Vaishnavite akhadas was held on Wednesday at 'Sadhu Gram' in Nashik, which is hosting the Kumbh Mela along with Trimbakeshwar.

The 'dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) of Digambar, Nirmohi and Nirwani akhadas was held at their respective camps in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve and various seers.

After hoisting their flags on 51-ft long wooden poles, the sadhus demonstrated traditional war skills like wielding 'dandpatta' (gauntlet sword) and lathis and burst fire crackers.

On the occasion, Shah said the ongoing Kumbh mela offers a good opportunity to the management students for their projects.

"The students of management have a good opportunity for their project. Our 'parivar' salutes and seeks blessings of mahants, sadhus for us and for prosperity of our nation," Shah said.

He also inaugurated an arch constructed by Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) in Sadhu Gram on the Nashik-Aurangabad Road, named as 'Jagat Guru Ramanandacharya entrance'.

Fadanvis lauded the role of district administration and Nashik Municipal Corporation for their contribution in preparing a good plan for the religious jamboree and assured the gathering that his government will provide adequate funds required for any incomplete works.

"Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked me to look after Kumbh mela event at Nashik when I went to Delhi to hand over an invitation to him for the event," he said.